Soil mite. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a soil mite. This mite is typically found in moss and leaf litter. Mites are a highly adaptable group that are related to spiders and have eight legs. Some mite species are parasites, while soil mites form part of the great diversity of organisms that contribute to the breakdown of plant material. Purple fungal spores are also present. Magnification: x150 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.